The landscape of New Zealand's heavy transport industry is poised for a seismic shift as electric trucks are now directly competing with their diesel counterparts on both price and weight. Spearheading this change, Etrucks has announced it is the new New Zealand distributor for Deepway, introducing a BEV semi-tractor that brings the long-awaited goal of price parity within reach. This development, coupled with the launch of new ultralight electric models, signals a pivotal moment for the nation's push towards decarbonised logistics.

Etrucks is launching the Deepway BEV semi-tractor, set to be New Zealand’s most affordable in its class at $255,000 + GST after the Low Emission Heavy Vehicle Fund (LEHVF) funding. This aggressive pricing strategy directly challenges the economic dominance of traditional diesel tractors, marking the imminent arrival of price parity in the sector. 

The vehicle's specifications underscore its readiness for demanding commercial use. It is equipped with a 600kWh CATL battery, which comes with an impressive 8-year or 1.5 million km warranty, providing long-term operational confidence. The Deepway also features a standard platooning function, an advanced technology that allows a single driver to control a convoy of up to three trucks in low-speed environments, promising significant efficiency gains. This is not a concept vehicle; the Deepway Star model has a proven track record in China, with 6,200 units already delivered and over 200 million kilometers covered in customer fleets. 

The official New Zealand launch of the Deepway will take place at the Eroad Fleetday at Mystery Creek on July 30th. Attendees will not only see the new semi-tractor but will also have the opportunity to experience the 1400hp Windrose truck on a test track. The Windrose recently demonstrated its powerful capabilities in California, achieving a 772kW dual-gun charging input and an efficient energy consumption of approximately 110kWh per 100km while hauling 34 tonnes over Tejon Pass.

Also debuting at the event is the Qingling EVM100 ultralight. This vehicle directly addresses the challenge of battery weight in electric trucks, a key barrier to adoption. With a cab chassis tare weight of just 2,315kg, the EVM100 is a full tonne lighter than competing electric models, heralding the arrival of weight parity with diesel trucks. This remarkable lightness is achieved through a 100kWh battery and a Bosch integrated drive axle.

Anticipating the question of how to power a growing fleet of electric trucks, the industry is already implementing robust solutions. A notable example is an off-grid charging facility now operating in Perth, which services 30 trucks using 4.4MW of rooftop solar power combined with a 10.3MWh battery storage system. This demonstrates that large-scale, sustainable charging infrastructure is not just a concept but a current reality. 

The market momentum is further evidenced by real-world adoption and major industry partnerships. In Wellington, Hitesh Naik has already taken delivery of a Farizon H9E to handle deliveries for Tiptop. Furthermore, the mining giant BHP, the world's largest, has selected XCMG as its partner for developing intelligent and low-emissions equipment. This endorsement is expected to fuel further R&D, helping XCMG maintain its leading position in electric construction machinery. Etrucks is also looking ahead, with an 8x4 rigid truck featuring   a 58t Gross Combination Mass (GCM) and a fast-charging 650kWh battery currently in development.